EKG Testing

ECG or EKG is short for electrocardiogram, which is a non-invasive diagnostic test that evaluates the electrical activity of your heart. It records the electrical signals that coordinate your heartbeat and check for irregularities that could point towards underlying heart conditions.

This painless test provides real-time information about your heart rate, rhythm, and overall function. ECG/EKG testing is often the first diagnostic step to evaluate symptoms related to heart conditions, such as chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, or shortness of breath.

At Internal Medicine & Primary Care of Sebastian (IMPCS), we provide fast and accurate ECG/EKG testing to detect potential heart concerns early. Our primary care physician, Dr. Edeck Pierre, and our experienced team are committed to helping you stay on top of your heart health with personalized care.

What is ECG/EKG testing?

Your heartbeat is triggered by electrical signals that move through your heart muscle, prompting it to contract and pump blood. An ECG/EKG test assesses this electrical activity to determine whether your heart muscles are receiving the proper signals to maintain healthy blood flow.

During ECG/EKG testing, small sensors, called electrodes, are placed at strategic locations on your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are connected to an EKG machine, which detects your heart’s electrical impulses and records them as a series of wave patterns on a graph.

These wave patterns provide valuable insights to our provider in understanding how well your heart is functioning.

When our provider reads your ECG/EKG results, they evaluate the strength, timing, and pattern of these electrical signals to look for any signs of irregularities or stress on the heart.

An EKG can provide valuable information about:

Heart Rate – How fast your heart is beating
Heart Rhythm – Whether your heartbeat is steady or irregular
Electrical Signal – How well the electrical impulses move through the heart and whether there are any delays, blockages, or disruptions

This test is completely non-invasive. It does not send electricity into your body and does not use radiation. It simply reads the electrical activity your heart naturally produces, making it a safe, painless, and efficient way to monitor heart health.

When do you need an EKG test?

An electrocardiogram may be recommended to evaluate signs of potential heart problems or as part of a routine cardiac health evaluation.

EKG to Evaluate Heart-Related Symptoms

The heart plays a crucial role in supplying oxygen-rich blood to every part of your body. Even small disruptions in its electrical signals or rhythm can cause noticeable symptoms that may signal a deeper issue.

You may be recommended an ECG/EKG if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms.

Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations (a fluttering, racing, or skipped heartbeat)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Rapid pulse
Fatigue or weakness without a clear cause
Decline in exercise capacity

While these symptoms are not always caused by heart problems, an EKG can help determine whether a cardiac condition is contributing to the way you feel. Our provider will carefully evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and overall risk factors before recommending EKG testing as a diagnostic tool.

An EKG can also be used during your routine cardiac health check-ups.

Evaluate Heart Disease Risk – If you have a family history of heart disease or chronic conditions, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, your risk for heart disease may be higher. Even if you do not have symptoms, an ECG/EKG can be recommended as a proactive measure to screen for early signs of heart abnormalities and monitor your cardiovascular risk profile.
Detect Arrhythmias – An arrhythmia occurs when your heart does not beat normally. Irregular heartbeat can increase your risk for serious problems like stroke. An ECG/EKG can identify these disturbances.
Before or After a Procedure – If you are preparing for a cardiac procedure, an ECG/EKG is often done to make sure your heart is ready. It is also commonly used afterward to monitor overall heart function and catch any changes that may need attention.
Monitor Pacemaker Performance – If you have a pacemaker, routine EKG testing is important to ensure the device is operating correctly. The EKG can confirm whether the pacemaker is sending appropriate electrical impulses to maintain a steady and safe heart rhythm.
Assess the Effectiveness of Heart Medications – Some medications used to treat heart conditions like arrhythmias work by modifying how your heart beats or how electrical signals move through your heart. An ECG/EKG can help determine if the medication is achieving the desired effect or if the dosage or type of medication needs to be adjusted.

In some cases, an ECG/EKG can also serve as a preventive tool. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms, an ECG/EKG can establish a baseline for future heart health monitoring. This baseline, established when you’re healthy, helps track any changes in heart function over time.

What to expect during your ECG/EKG appointment?

The ECG/EKG is a quick test typically completed within 10 to 15 minutes. The process is painless and non-invasive and requires no special preparation.

Here is what you can expect during your visit.

You will be asked to lie down comfortably on an exam table.
You may need to remove your shirt or wear a hospital gown so the technician can place the electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs.
To ensure the electrodes can be attached properly to the skin, small areas may be cleaned or shaved.
A series of small, sticky patches (electrodes) will be attached to your skin.
Once the electrodes are in place, you will be asked to lie still and breathe normally. The machine will record your heart’s electrical activity. You won’t feel anything during the test, no shocks or discomfort.
When the recording is done, the electrodes will be removed, and you can get dressed. There is no downtime, and you can go back to your normal routine right away.

After the test, Dr. Pierre will review your results with you. He will explain what they mean and let you know if any further testing or follow-up is needed.

Schedule Your ECG/EKG Test in Sebastian, FL

An ECG/EKG is a valuable test that can uncover hidden heart issues and provide clarity about your cardiovascular health. At IMPCS, we provide ECG/EKG testing to help evaluate your heart health and guide the next steps in your care.

Whether you need routine heart monitoring or a diagnostic test for specific concerns, we can help.

To schedule a consultation, please call (772) 783-2436 or book an appointment online today.

If you experience symptoms requiring immediate attention, we also provide acute care appointments within 48 hours to ensure you receive prompt evaluation and treatment.